I've replaced two because of rocks and used Safelite. They did a great job on both replacements. I've read posts from others saying to stay away from Safelite. The Co. you deal with is only as good as the installer you have do it. I live in central Ga. and the same insaller did both on my car. The price was $230.00 each time and they were at my door within minutes when they said they would be. Stay away from the dealer. I was quoted $800.00 and would have to drive 125 miles one way to get it done.

 

Within the first 4 weeks of ownership, I got a stone chip on the way to work. Having learned early in my vehicular life that small stone chips quickly become large stress fractures, I called a local mobile windsheild repair co.

They repaired in my office parking lot, in about 10 minutes.

Cost to me: $0. Cost to my insurance co: ~$45.

Moral: get 'em repaired. If they're not directly in driver's vision, or against the edge of the windshield, they are readily repairable.

 

Check your insurance policy. The coveerage for repairs may be under the comprehensive section of your insurance coverage and the deductible my only be $100.00

 

BTW - my insurance, when I still had a comp deductable, would pay for SAFELITE to come out and do a repair wth no deductable. They force some epoxy into the chip/crack. Sometimes it works better than others, but it was no cost b4 forking over a deductable.

Once again tho...call the insurance company and ask...

Or just go the repair route...much less $$ than a replacement. Might be worth a try.

 

Most insurance companies have stopped the Waiver of Deductible for windshield chip repair. Too many repairs would only keep the windshield from developting a crack temporarily--resulting in replacement of the windshield several months down the road.

If yours still waives the deductible, take advantage of it, as it may not last much longer.

 

I bought Wally at the end of July. I think the first week I had a crack running directly down in the center of the windshield. This was the second windshield as the dealer replaced the original once (I had them pull my records)

I wasn't very happy about it but I've read about a lot of people who have had the same expeirence with their windshields and OE glass.

I have 0 deductible on my auto insurance. Called Elite auto glass (I think they are the same as Safelight now). Had them come out to my house on Monday to replace Wally as well as my trucks windshield.

They didn't use OE glass but some other off brand. Guy installed it said if it ever cracked like that again to call Elite and it should be covered under warranty as it was a stress fracture and not a rock/impact hit.

Anyway if you are concerned about you windshields get your insurance to include windshield/glass replacement with 0 deductible. I think it costs me an extra 12 dollars a year.

I had 5 windhshields in my truck in 7 years and now 1 in the Mini. That more than pays for the 12 dollars a year.

 

I had my windscreen, (with rain sensor), replaced in August on my MCS 07 and the cost to my insurance company was $768.

 

Jeepers, BritBoy--where did you have it done? At the dealer or ?

The only reason I'd go to the dealer would be if the local guy couldn't get an R56 glass. And the dealer's only 15 miles away.

 

I have a chip in mine (October) that hasn't spread and isn't visible. I have rain sensor. What I wonder is if there's aftermarket brand available this soon, or will I have to get OEM if I need it replaced? I guess I should have the chip repair thing done (free in AZ, paid by a separate fund from ins. companies, they'll do it a a carwash).

 

There's an aftermarket rain sensor windshield.

 

Just got a quote from our dealer here in SF... Standard glass is $1,007.00 installed!!!!!!!

They should be ashamed! I am considering making an appointment with Safelite for just $348.99 (including 20% discount).

I have a $500 deductible so it seems it will be Safelite ah!

 

Just got a quote from our dealer here in SF... Standard glass is $1,007.00 installed!!!!!!!


Wow! Wonder what it would have cost if they had the heated windshield option in the States like they can get in the UK!

I still vote for getting the full glass coverage and protecting yourself from future issues.

 

I am changing to Gecio in Feb. their rates work for me AND they have a mech breakdown "rider" for $3.80 a month - Yes, high det for mech repairs BUT - $50 det for windshield replacement.... So, for the price of Starbucks a month - My wind shield is covered at a det that I can live with... check it out..

 

Florida gives free replacements, 1 a year.